About the Academy
A tradition of discipline, wisdom, and excellence since 1988.
Our Story
Founded in 1988 by Roland S. Roemer, the Colorado Academy of Martial Arts trains adults and children in a comprehensive martial arts system derived from the careful blending of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Indonesian martial arts.
For over forty years, CAMA instructors have used a unique approach to provide students with realistic and relevant personal protection. Drawing from technique and tactics inherent in the study of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Indonesian disciplines and vetted by intuitive teachers who recognized the commonalities in these practices, our curriculum provides students with holistic skills that are both realistic and relevant.
CAMA teachers use a unique, trans-Pacific approach utilizing age-old martial principles in concert with a more Western system of codification and presentation. This system prepares students physically as well as psychologically and emotionally for whatever challenges they may face in life.
“Conduct yourself as a warrior and a scholar, the world will provide you with everything you need.”
— Roland S. Roemer, Founder
Seizan Ryu Kempo Jujutsu
Seizan Ryu is a self-defense based fighting system, not a sport. All techniques focus on strategies and effectiveness in real-world conditions and situations to neutralize attacks, counter attack for self-protection, and escape safely. The system draws from four distinct martial traditions:
Japanese Arts
Traditional jujutsu techniques and martial philosophy rooted in Bushido.
Chinese Arts
Kempo striking methods and internal energy cultivation principles.
Filipino Arts
Escrima and Arnis weapons training with rattan sticks and bladed weapons.
Indonesian Arts
Silat and Kuntao techniques for close-quarters combat and ground defense.
Our Instructors
Seven dedicated instructors with decades of combined experience in traditional martial arts.
Roland S. Roemer
Founder, Academy Director
Roland founded CAMA in 1988 and has been teaching since 1967, including 14 years of public school teaching experience at the grade school and high school levels. He has obtained advanced degrees and teacher accreditation in eight martial arts systems. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts degree in Education.
Laurel C. Roemer
Children's Program Director and Lead; Business and Admissions Director
Laurel has been with CAMA since 1991 and has been teaching since 1993. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration.
Byron Holz
Youth, Adult Instructor
Byron has been with CAMA since 2002. He has previous experience with Olympic Karate as well as aikido. His daughter is also a student.
John Hettinger
Adult Instructor
John has been with CAMA since 2005. He came to CAMA as a black belt in and long term teacher of Kempo Karate. His son is also a student.
Jon Padia
Adult, Youth Instructor
Jon has been with CAMA since 2008. He studied Chinese Kempo for seven years and has five years additional experience in an eclectic mixture of martial arts including Kuntao, Silat, and Brazilian Juijutsu. As a registered dietician, he is greatly interested in seeing martial arts and nutrition work together as vehicles for good health.
Jason Parker
Adult, Youth Instructor
Jason has been with CAMA since 2010. He has been a Colorado certified teacher since 2013, and teaches language arts at a high school level.
Geoff Tennent
Adult, Youth Instructor
Geoff started his martial arts journey in college where he trained Escrima and Arnis through the Filipino Martial Arts club. He started at CAMA in 2013 and has been teaching since 2019. He has also dabbled with Jeet Kun Do and Brazilian JiuJitsu.
Credentials & Certifications
- Teacher accreditation in eight martial arts systems (Roland S. Roemer)
- Master of Arts degree in Education (Roland S. Roemer)
- Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration (Laurel C. Roemer)
- Black belt in Kempo Karate (John Hettinger)
- Registered Dietician (Jon Padia)
- Colorado certified teacher (Jason Parker)
Your Journey Begins with a
Complimentary Introduction
We invite you to experience CAMA firsthand with our free introductory program. No obligation, no pressure — just an opportunity to discover what traditional martial arts training can offer you and your family.